Polls show that in America the vast majority of people believe there is a spiritual component to life. A controlling element in the national news service downplays or even ridicules the concept. Crowded from positive national news coverage by the PC patrol, it is still a factor in the lives of millions.

The following conclusion is based on the premise there is a God. Not only that there is a God, but that He is also a loving God with many facets. He the embodiment of love and these other reassuring aspects of His character such as He is full of grace, mercy, blessing, patience, and forgiveness. Oh, yes, and justice. These traits apply to individuals and nations as well.

Centuries ago as the generations of two cultures began to emerge God promised to bless the descendants of Isaac. Most Americans know that. Fewer known He also promised to bless the descendants of the half-brother of Isaac, Essau. The lineage of Abraham and Isaac is the Jewish race, of Abraham and Essau are the Arabs. The biblical evidence is God loves both groups.

The conflict of these two cultures started in a Bedouin’s tent in the Judean desert centuries ago when Abraham fathered one son too many. As juveniles the fighting began.

Regarding the descendants of Abraham, God issued this caveat, “I will bless those who bless you and I will curse those who curse you (Genesis 12:3).” Therein lies one of the many reasons God has blessed America over the years. Note, that is only one of the reasons for Him blessing America, but a significant one.

From its inception America has been a friend of Israel. Evidence of this is found on the tranquil hills overlooking the Hudson River on the campus of West Point in the military cemetery. Just inside the gates of the cemetery is the unique grave of an American hero laid to rest here in 1948. It is the only grave in the cemetery that marks the resting place of a solider killed fighting under a foreign flag. The inscription on the wedge-shaped headstone reads: “Col. David Marcus — A Soldier for All Humanity.”

This former American officer is noted in the inscription as “...the first to hold the rank of General in the Army of Israel since biblical times.” He was the American citizen who commanded the Israeli army that won the war in Israel’s struggle for independence.

America has often been the only friend of Israel in the ongoing battle for survival. Israel has reciprocally been a friend of America. A favorite T-shirt among tourists reads: “America don’t worry, Israel is behind you.”

America might be on the verge of paying its heaviest toll for the support of the only democracy in the region. The Israeli-Iranian conflict is at a critical point. In its defense will Israel attempt a preemptive strike to knock out the Iranian nuclear facilities?

If so will Iranian supporters in Lebanon and Gaza rain rockets on Israel? Will Iran choke off oil supplies by closing the Strait of Hormuz? Will Iran have suicide bombers strike the 800 American targets they have identified in Europe and America?

Israel has said it will not notify America if it decides to strike Iran. That is an attempt to shield America from charges of duplicity.

If necessary would America come to the aid of Israel now? At what cost?

Now is a good time to get prayed up. This can be a game changer for us culturally, economically, and spiritually.

The Rev. Dr. Nelson Price is pastor emeritus of Roswell Street Baptist Church. Contact Price at nlprice@aol.com.